This Christmas, selected local families will be able to to participate in the Christmas Shop.
The
Christmas Shop will have a variety of gifts for purchase at 80% off the retail
cost. The store will be organized by gender and age and will have a gift
wrapping station as well for easy shopping.

These families identified by our school partners will be able to purchase gifts for their children at a reduced cost in a fun and festive environment.

The Christmas Shop will be open for these families on the following days:

2019 Dates

December 6: 6-8 p.m.

December 7: 10 a.m.-12 pm. & 2-4 p.m.

FAQs

Q. Why do we use a shopping model instead of
adopting families and giving gifts

for free?

The Christmas Shop model is based on research that
shows that a healthy model of ministry to those lacking material resources
includes empowering them to be part of the process. By hand-selecting and paying for their children's gifts,
those receiving help can maintain their dignity. Giving anonymously protects
the heart of the giver against pride.

Q. Who can shop at the Christmas Shop?

First Church is partnering with four local schools (Burlington, Goodridge, New Haven, Stephens) in Boone County to identify families that would benefit from the
shop. We hope to add more schools in following years. Schools will determine who to extend the invitation to in their school.
Families receiving an invitation will receive a link to register. The Christmas Shop is intended to be an outreach to the
community, however, if familieswho are part of FC are referred by staff or leaders,
they too, are welcome to shop. If you want to refer someone, please send an email to christmasshop@firstchurch.me. All shoppers must register in advance and
no later than November 1st.

Q. When and where is the shop?

The shop will be located at the Burlington Campus of
First Church (6080 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, KY). The shop will be held in the main
building. We’ll be open December 6th (6-8 p.m.) and
December 7th (10-noon & 2-4 p.m.).

Q. Who buys the gifts that make up the inventory
of the shop?

The First Church congregation purchases new items and
donates them to be used in the shop.

Q. How do I sign up to serve?

A.
We need hundreds of
volunteers to make this happen. Roles include merchandise collection and
inventory, setup, hospitality, translators, gift wrap, Kidszone, and more!
There are opportunities October 10 - December 7 to help. You can view
all serving opportunities here. All volunteers in
Kidzone must have an approved First Church background check.

Q. How do those wishing to donate know what to
buy?

Those desiring to donate gifts can do so by shopping
off the First Church’s Christmas Shop Amazon Gift Registryor by clicking here to download a list. To donate, please bring unwrapped items to any FC campus between 10/4 and 11/25 or you can make a
monetary donation that will be used to purchase items on the list not already
purchased. If you are purchasing items on Amazon, please send gifts to "First Church of Christ, Christmas Shop, 6080 Camps Ernst Road, Burlington, Ky 41005.

Q. Can my kids serve at
the Christmas Shop?

Kids ages 6-13 can serve with a parent, youth 14-17
can serve without a parent

Q. How are the proceeds from the store used?

Because gifts are priced at a fraction of the retail
cost, proceeds are modest. But all proceeds in 2019 will be distributed
back to our school partners.

Q. What
happens to donated items that are not purchased?

While we do not anticipate having much extra
inventory, we do have a plan for it. FC works with many community
partners. In advance, it will determined
what agencies can best direct items to be used at Christmas this year for someone
in need.

How Can I help?

We need your help to be able to provide the best experience for our guests.

Shop- Click on the link above to get our Amazon wish list and ship directly to the church

Give- You can donate monetarily (online-link above or in the offering) to offset the cost of gifts and the Christmas Shop

Serve- We need over 200 people to serve for the Christmas Shop. Many opportunities available by clicking the link above.